Is metal detecting like the lottery?

[Tfink]

I am wonder as I am looking at all of the postings from people who have found some really cool stuff is this common or is this hobby like the lottery were somebody knows somebody who has won but you never seem to win your self?

[GaryC/SanBdno]

Tfink, Read my post in Calif. Metal Dectecting! The one with the most time invested in this hobby wins!!! Meaning the more you go out the more you find. LUCK AND RESEARCH IS ALSO A BIG PART!!! Don't give up. GaryC/SanBdno.

[Tfink]

In other words you get out of it what you put in to it.

[Finderskeepers]

I don't know of anyone that was able to retire because he found something of value with a metal detector. Hitting the big one might be easier on the lottery than finding something worth millions with a detector. If you want to have fun get a detector, if you want to make millions try thr lottery.

[goldhart]

It takes some effort to find the best spots and learn your equipment. You do have to crawl before you walk before you run. If it was easy everybody would be doing it. (Actually everyone would be doing it if they only knew what was coming out of the ground.) Karl Von Mueller-one of the original treasure hunters-always said there is more money in the ground than in circulation. Dan3

[kidwriter43]

Hi, Tfink, the guys are correct. Like most things, you can't give up if you want success. Rome wasn't built in a day, blah, blah, blah, etc. I have been detecting for about a year and have found nothing worth much money, but have had a great time outdoors, still get a thrill out of finding "something new -- relic-wise" and have hopes of that first gold nugget, first silver coin, first ring, etc. I know it will come eventually since I don't plan on giving up and I try to do my research when I'm not just searching around my own area of Calif. An educated guess is better than hit or miss any day. Good luck and hang in there. Enjoy the hobby for what it does for you mentally and physically, the monetary rewards are a bonus.

Lynne Mc/kidwriter43

[OT]

Hello Tfink,

Yes, there is Treasure out there, but what is worth more than Treasure is the getting out with good friends comparing finds and swapping Treasure Hunting stories. If you haven't joined a local Treasure Hunting Club then do. You can learn a lot from fellow Club members about sites to search and how to research those better area's.

I have several friends that just like to go out and coin shoot for the most coins found in an outting. My good friend and I have a friendly competition when we go out to a school site and coin shoot. Many time we can find $15 to $20 in a 3 or 4 hour hunts. I have other friends that like detecting the "old" sites and demolition of older homes. Those sites a person can walk away with a varity of older coins, such as the silver merc's, barbers, seated coins, V nickles, Buffalo's, indian head pennies, and the wheatback pennies.

In my twenty years of detecting I have found coins in value of over many hundreds of dollars, and have found my share of the gold and silver jewelry, but the real Treasure is the companionship of my friends detecting any site may it be old or new.

Just remember, if you are out to get the older historical coins and artifacts, you must #1. know your detector and what it's trying to tell you #2. obtain as much experience in the field with your detector, #3. look back into historical records to verify that there was history for the site that you want to search. If you apply those three simple items you will become a successful Treasure Hunter.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting

;DT

[925Bill]

Hi! I'm with Gary and O.T. on this one.
I remember when the thought of finding a "merc" was just a wish. I still remember exactly where I found it, to! On Hudson St. in Redwood City. It was a 1937s. The moment I unearthed it, is etched in my mind forever!
It was my Mom's Boss' home. I dug over 150 coins from this "tiny" front lawn, it was a "trip."
Anyway. The coins, jewelry and other great finds are really kind of secondary. Might sound "corny", but I don't care. It's the experience(s). I was fortunate to meet my buddy, Spence. About twenty years ago. We were on the "same page" since day one. (thank God he had an encouraging wife!) We would go at a moments notice. 5a.m. 8:00a.m. 1:00a.m. 3:00a.m. Pretty wacky times. Some really scary places.
My point I guess. If I am making one. Is tons o' great memories. Success as well as disappointment.
You share them both.
Although, I admit I've detected in many of our, I'll call them "Area 51's" alone. And found fantastic coins... Only to scream into the air. In celebration of my find. It's much more rewarding, after "busting your butt" pouring over books, and researching obscure ( our favorite spots) locations. To have a "bud" with you to experience it with. Besides you'd look dumb, "hi-five'n" yourself!
Research. Dedication. Perseverance. Desire. Time in the "field"............And PATIENCE !!!
The ones who wanted to "strike it rich". And there main reason for interest was $$$$. Are the same ones who's detectors are gathering dust in the closet! The good stuff will come. If you expect to make lots of money, or make a living at it. Maybe you should take up another hobby.
I've plenty of things of considerable value. Dollarwise.
Most enjoyable are the times you are able to re-unite long lost objects with the owners.
I'm going on, way too much. So I'll leave you with this favorite ending of mine.
This man had gone through an ugly divorce, and at some point his angry wife took a leather briefcase of his. It contained everything dear to him, sentimental, and important. From childhood through adult-hood. Accomplishments like high school and college football awards, rings, jewelry and related items. Letters from his "letterman sweater". College graduation ring and diplomas. School "class" photos
You get the picture. But by the weirdest circumstances. That I couldn't "make up" if I wanted to!
I discovered the brief case in a hidden location,(intended never to be found) under a house he and his "former" wife owned and lived in years ago. ( He hasn't even lived in lived in this state for years!)
I just happened to locate it, two years prior. The (beach )house owned by friend of mine. (at Muir Beach)I did work at from time to time. I put it back, for some reason. And it was always in the back of my mind....
One day, it coulda' been any day. I was working there, and out of "left field" this man shows up at the front door.
It was mostly un-occupied, used for out of town guests and parties. Sometimes weekends. The fact that I "just happened" to be there, when this stranger came a knockin', is one for the "stranger than truth".

Hi! Sorry to bother you. I'm visiting my sisters in Kentfield, From out of state, and we though we'd take a drive to see my "old house". And how it was looking. He asked if he could look around. He seemed like an "o.k." guy so I said "sure". He seemed pleased it still looked good. And wished he had a hot tub/spa, when he lived there!
So after only a few minutes, he thanked me, and headed up the steps to the driveway.
For some reason, the second I heard the door of his car open I yelled. "Hey. Wait!" "Wait a minute!" And I ran up the steps and stopped halfway as the car window rolled down.
Yes. He said. "I have something for you." "I have something that's yours!" He was baffled. (In a "nano-second" I recalled the name on the briefcase, as the same as his. he introduced himself earlier) I suddenly remembered the briefcase! I ran down the steps, and around the back of the house. Suddenly the car empties, and everyone's following to see where I'm headed.
I opened a small door at the rear of the house, which accessed the "scary" crawlspace.I squeezed in, and after a couple minutes I emerged, covered in spider-webs and dirt. Clutching the briefcase..... You could have heard a "cotton ball hit a pillow". The look on all they're faces, I'll always remember. His especially. "Wha?" "How?" It was like Ralph Cramden in the "honeymooners", at a loss for words. "Hammina" "Hammina" "Umm" "Umma" "Aye-yai!" Uh.. er. Tears of disbelief, replaced the look on his face.
I guess it was pretty darn sentimental, and important to him. He was overjoyed!
"I have got to give you something!" I just have to give you something!" He repeated. All three hugged me. (that's when he explained the messy divorce, years ago. And after searching through all his possesions. Could never find it. And figured his wife took it, to hurt him) He took out his wallet and the sisters were opening their purses, wanting to pitch in to reward me.

Well for the third time he said. "You have no idea how much this means to me!" "I have to give something as a reward!" (what a perfect "opening") I said what I felt.
"Mr. Buckley.....................You just did!" "The look on all three, of your faces", was "reward enough!!!"
I could have knocked them over with a feather!!!

Now that. Is what makes our hobby great!!!
And I didn't even find the treasure using a detector!

Sorry this response was so long. I kinda' just recalled it as I was writing it. So forgive me. Thanks for reading my reply. And GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!
Now go hit the local history books, then get out there!
Sinerely 925Bill.

[OT]

Great story Bill, I really enjoyed reading it. You know I haven't seen you for over 10 years and that story reminds me of you to a "T". You are good man.

;DT

[Finderskeepers]

Great story Bill. Finding something that was hidden rather than lost has always been a great thrill .

[925Bill]

O.T. Thanks. That means alot! I appreciate it!
I got a bunch of those stories. The problem is....I remember them all, in detail. So be prepared!

Finderskeepers. Thanks for reading, and for the words!
Good luck to all. And to all, some great coins! 925Bill.

[Landstar]

AWESOME!!! GREAT DEED, IN DEED!!!

[Landstar]

AWESOME!!! GREAT DEED, IN DEED!!!

Sorry, I meant this to go to 925Bill.